Butcher completed his second NHL season in New Jersey, scoring four goals and 26 assistsvfor 30 points in 78 games played, which placed him second among the club's defensemen. He played in the 100th game of his NHL/NJD career, Nov. 18 at Carolina. During his 2017-18 rookie campaign, he set a franchise record for points in a Devils'/NHL debut with 3A (3PTS) in the team's home opener October 7 vs. Colorado. He also became the first rookie defenseman in NHL history to record at least 8A in his first 5GP of an NHL career. Butcher also became the first Devil in team history to reach 20PTS in first 30 NHL games. His 44 points (5g-39a) topped New Jersey blueliners and placed fourth on the team overall. To cap-off his rookie season, Butcher was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. In his two seasons with the Devils, he has registered nine goals and 65 assists in 159 career NHL games.
Born on January 6, 1995, Butcher agreed to a two-year, entry-level contract with New Jersey August 27, 2017 after spending four years with the University of Denver (NCHC). In 2016-17, he led his club as team captain to win the NCAA National Championship as the no. 1 ranked team in the nation. Butcher became the second Pioneer in the school's history to win the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey's top player.
The 5'10", 190lb. native of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin native has also represented the United States on the international stage throughout his career. Most recently, Butcher participated in the 2018 IIHF World Championship, winning the Bronze Medal and recording one goal and two assists for three points in 10 games played. He won a Silver Medal with Team USA at the 2013 IIHF under-18 World Championship, and won Gold at the 2012 IIHF under-18 World Championship.
